roborovski/hp_fanfiction_dataset · Datasets at Hugging Face

text stringlengths 1 31.5k
'We realized that many of your classmates missed their final year due to Voldemort and the war. So, to make up for what was missed, we've decided to offer those wishing to take their NEWTs an accelerated program during the first term. While we are still ironing out the final details, the basis of the program is to give you all the needed education during the first term to prepare you enough to take specially scheduled NEWTs before the Christmas holiday.'
Hermione listened quietly and thought about what McGonagall was saying. While taking her NEWTs was something she still wanted to do, could she go back to Hogwarts without Ron and Harry?
'You will need to take an exam before the term starts so we can see what you know and whether you can learn enough to successfully take your NEWTs. I'll be honest, I don't know how many students will be able to handle the workload, but if there was one person I believed could, it would be you, Miss Granger.'
Hermione looked into the older witch's eyes and saw she meant what she said. McGonagall had always been one of her favorite professors; she had challenged her when needed but also supported her in her studies and adventures. Hermione smiled and blushed at the compliment. But soon she was lost again in her thoughts. McGonagall knew she was giving this a lot of thought and didn't want to pressure her into making a rash decision.
'The pre-term exams will be scheduled some time before the start of term. You have until then to decide. I truly hope you consider it and you can send me your decision by owl anytime before then.'
Hermione nodded.
'Thank you, Professor.'
McGonagall reached across the table and clasped the young witch's hand in support. Mrs. Weasley had told her about everything that had been happening to her and she really wished she could do more for the young witch. She straightened back up and pulled an envelope out of her robe.
'Miss Weasley, here is your Hogwarts letter. I know it's a little early but it saves an owl a trip here.'
Ginny looked away from Hermione, who she had been watching throughout the conversation to take the envelope from McGonagall.
'Thank you, Professor.'
McGonagall gave her a quick nod and a small smile.
'I saw you flying earlier. I hope you find what's in that envelope further incentive to continue practicing.'
Ginny gave her a quizzical look and quickly opened the envelope to find the Gryffindor Quidditch Captain badge inside. She beamed at her Professor.
'Thank you! It'll be an honor!'
McGonagall nodded again then got up to leave.
'I'll await your decision, Miss Granger and will see you Miss Weasley at school.'
McGonagall left out of the back door and they heard a small pop as she disapparated. Ginny turned to Hermione and her once smiling face was replaced with one of concern as she took in the far away look of her friend. Wanting to help but not wanting to scare her away, she squeezed Hermione's hand.
'So what do you think? Does that sound like something you would want to do?'
Hermione looked over at Ginny, unsure how to answer.
'I don't know. I mean it would be nice to take my NEWTs but I don't know if I could go back to Hogwarts by myself; it'd be weird without Ron and Harry.'
Ginny was thinking about that too.
'Well, I would be there. I could make some stupid jokes and act all moody.'
Hermione smiled. Ginny took this as a good sign.
'It's completely up to you Hermione, but I know I would like having you there. It was so hard last year when you three didn't come back. Luckily I had Luna, Neville and the D.A. which made things a little easier but I can understand what you're feeling.'
Hermione nodded and frowned. She had been thinking about what she should do now that the war was over. She hadn't felt prepared for anything because she had missed her NEWTs but now she had the chance to fix that. She looked into Ginny's concerned but encouraging face and she felt like it might be okay. Ginny would be there and she had already made it through so much, she could make it through one term without Ron and Harry.
'Okay, I'll do it.'
Ginny was surprised but smiled. She really did want Hermione to come back even if it was for one term. She thought they could have fun and she thought it would help them both continue to heal.
'Really? Great! You'll do great on your NEWTs and we'll get to hang out even more!'
Hermione smiled but Ginny could tell she was still sad about the idea of going back without her best friends. She squeezed her hand in understanding.
'I know I can't replace them, but I'm still your friend too, you know. I'll be there with you.'
Hermione looked seriously into Ginny's eyes.
'I know Ginny. You've been an amazing friend, especially with all that's been happening. I don't think I could do it without you.'
Ginny hugged Hermione wanting to show that she would be there for her. Mrs. Weasley came back into the kitchen and was touched to see the two young witches supporting each other.
'I see Minerva snuck out without saying goodbye, then. Oh well, I'll be sure to owl her later.'
Ginny leaned back grinning, knowing her mum was just sad she couldn't offer her visitor a month's worth of food before leaving.
'Yeah, she said she had something important to be doing, didn't she Hermione?'
Catching on, Hermione grinned too.
'Oh yeah, some Hogwarts business.'
Mrs. Weasley looked between the two witches and their 'innocent' expressions, knowing she was missing something. She hadn't raised the twins without picking up on some things. But at that moment, she saw a glitter on the table and reached to pick up the Quidditch Captain badge.
'Oh Ginny! Congratulations!'
Ginny beamed. Sure it wasn't a Prefect badge but she was proud of it. Hermione beamed at her as well.
'Yeah Ginny! Congratulations!'
'Thanks! But you do realize now we have to really buckle down on my training. I can't show up and have the first years out flying me.'
Hermione rolled her eyes.
'Oh right! There's no way that would happen. I'll keep helping you, but since I am going back I need to study too.'
Now it was Ginny's turn to roll her eyes.
'You do realize that if you were to take your NEWTs tomorrow you would still get about 10 Outstandings.'
Hermione looked scandalized.
'Are you kidding?! I haven't study for any of my classes for nearly a year! I'm sure I've forgotten everything….oh, maybe this wasn't such a good idea, I'm sure to fail!'
Realizing Hermione was really starting to freak out, Ginny shook her shoulder to make her look at her and put on her most serious face.
'Hermione, relax. You have plenty of time and you really are the cleverest witch of your age, heck you're the cleverest witch for many ages. You will do your best and You. Will. Do. Fine.'
This seemed to calm Hermione down only a little, but at least it was a start.
'Okay, I better owl Professor McGonagall so I can get started on the review.'
'Oh no worry dear, she left the paperwork with me. She knew you would want to do it.'
Hermione turned to Mrs. Weasley with a surprised look.
'Don't looked so surprised. She told you she had confidence in you, she knew you wouldn't back down from a challenge. I knew you would do it too. You're so talented; it would have been a shame.'
Hermione blushed at the compliment and took the proffered envelope.
'Thank you Mrs. Weasley. Could I still use Errol to send a thank you?'
'Of course, but maybe you should use Pig, Errol doesn't do the trip to Hogwarts so well anymore.'
Hermione went to find Pig and wrote a quick thank you to Professor McGonagall before opening the envelope. Inside she found a recommended study list and sample questions. She knew it would take quite a bit of work, but she was excited to start her studies again. Even if she looked harried sometimes, often she found studying relaxing.
The envelope contained another small envelope with a slight bulge in it. Perplexed, Hermione opened it and a Head Girl badge fell out. She picked up the small gold badge with HG and the Gryffindor lion on it. How she had dreamed about this little badge throughout her years at Hogwarts. She would never tell Harry how disappointed she had been when they hadn't returned their final year. She'd known they had to do what they did but still she had missed the opportunity. She unfolded the small parchment included.
_Miss Granger,_
_Last year when you did not returned, I understood why. But it felt wrong to award this to anyone else because no one else was more deserving. I now award you this and while you need not worry about the duties associated with the position during your condensed studies, know that I am very proud of all you have done and it has been an honor to teach you and fight beside you._
_Sincerely,_
_Minerva McGonagall_
_Headmistress_
_Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry_
Hermione smiled as happy tears formed in her eyes. She gazed down at the Head Girl badge, her Head Girl badge. She found it ironic that the H and G meant to symbolize Head Girl were also her initials. Ginny entered the room and was at first concerned to see Hermione crying but soon took in her huge smile as well. Her attention was then directed to the small badge in her hands.
'Is that what I think it is?'
Hermione looked up, beaming and nodded.
'Yes! McGonagall kept it for me. I would have been Head Girl, Ginny!'
Ginny closed the distance and pulled Hermione into a giant hug.
'Oh, I'm so glad she gave that to you! In the history of Hogwarts, if there was one person who deserved it, it was you!'
Ginny stepped back, grabbed Hermione's hand and dragged her toward the door.
'Wait until Mum hears about this. She'll have kittens!'
Sure enough, Mrs. Weasley was beside herself. She had known Hermione had it in her but with everything that had happened, it had gotten lost along the way.
'Oh Hermione, that's just wonderful! I'm so proud of you!'
After a dinner consisting of all of Hermione's favorite foods, she was finally able to get away from Mrs. Weasley's bone crushing hugs and go to bed. As she lay in bed, she couldn't help the feeling of unease that lay beneath her happiness. She still wasn't sure how she felt about going back without Ron or Harry. It was hard to imagine life at Hogwarts without them. But they had left her, not the other way around, and she wasn't going to let anything more stand in her way of living a normal life.
9. Chapter Nine
Chapter Nine
The next day, Hermione woke up with the sun. As she lay in bed looking up at the ceiling, she could still feel her happiness over being Head Girl even if she didn't have the duties associated with it. But as she looked at the ceiling, a small frown crossed her face. With all the excitement of the previous day, she had forgotten to owl her parents. She missed them and knew they would want to know about this, especially since it was something they understood.
Getting up slowly as not to wake Ginny who was still sleeping across the room, Hermione went over to her little desk and got a sheet of parchment, quill and ink. Hermione sat there for a moment trying to control the emotions she felt. She was still upset that they didn't come home. She knew they loved her and she had sent them there but she couldn't help but feel abandoned. Tears were threatening to fall from Hermione's eyes. Swiftly she wiped them away and took a deep calming breath. Inking the quill, she began to write.
_Dear Mum and Dad,_
_How have you been? I've been doing well. Mrs. Weasley has been wonderful and I've enjoyed spending time with Ginny. I've been helping with her Quidditch training. You remember Quidditch, right? I haven't told you much about it because I don't really enjoy it as much as the Weasleys. It's a game played on broomsticks and it's kind of like football except there's four balls instead of one and they do different things. It's okay if you don't completely understand, I hardly do._
_I have good news! Had I returned to Hogwarts last year, I would have been Head Girl!! Professor McGonagall saved the badge for me and for all intents and purposes it's official! I was so surprised! You know how much I wanted it, but I knew I had to do what I did._
_I'm returning to Hogwarts (hopefully) to finish my studies and take my N.E.W.T.s. They're Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests and are equivalent to A-Level exams. I say hopefully because I must take a test before classes start in order to see if I know enough to successfully take them. I plan on studying for the rest of the summer so I hope to be ready, but I'm still nervous. Wish me luck!!_
_I miss you both terribly! I'll try to plan a visit before returning to school but I want to be prepared, so if I do visit it will be for only a couple of days. I know I can study there but it would be more beneficial to practice what I study and I can do that at the Burrow. I hope you understand._
_I love you._
_Hermione_
Hermione sat back and reread what she had written. The sun had risen in the sky and now filled the room with light. Just as she sealed the roll, she heard Ginny waking up. She turned around to find the redhead sitting up and yawning.
'Good morning, sleepy head! It's about time you got up!'
Ginny glared at her friend before another yawn ruined the effect.
'Some of us don't like to race the sun in seeing who wakes up first!'
Hermione flashed her a scandalized look before surprising her by jumping up from the desk and making a dive for her bed. Ginny gave a yelp and tried to hide under her blankets but to no avail. Hermione made for her side and started to tickle her.
'NO! Stop! Stop it! Hermione!'
'Ha! All of this sleeping in is making you slow Gin! Now, if you want to breathe again, just say uncle!'
Ginny could barely catch her breath, she was laughing so hard.
'Uncle?....Whose…..uncle?'
Hermione stopped as she registered what Ginny said through her gasps. Then she started laughing, only confusing Ginny further. Finally able to breathe, Ginny turned to Hermione.

'We realized that many of your classmates missed their final year due to Voldemort and the war. So, to make up for what was missed, we've decided to offer those wishing to take their NEWTs an accelerated program during the first term. While we are still ironing out the final details, the basis of the program is to give you all the needed education during the first term to prepare you enough to take specially scheduled NEWTs before the Christmas holiday.'

Hermione listened quietly and thought about what McGonagall was saying. While taking her NEWTs was something she still wanted to do, could she go back to Hogwarts without Ron and Harry?

'You will need to take an exam before the term starts so we can see what you know and whether you can learn enough to successfully take your NEWTs. I'll be honest, I don't know how many students will be able to handle the workload, but if there was one person I believed could, it would be you, Miss Granger.'

Hermione looked into the older witch's eyes and saw she meant what she said. McGonagall had always been one of her favorite professors; she had challenged her when needed but also supported her in her studies and adventures. Hermione smiled and blushed at the compliment. But soon she was lost again in her thoughts. McGonagall knew she was giving this a lot of thought and didn't want to pressure her into making a rash decision.

'The pre-term exams will be scheduled some time before the start of term. You have until then to decide. I truly hope you consider it and you can send me your decision by owl anytime before then.'

Hermione nodded.

'Thank you, Professor.'

McGonagall reached across the table and clasped the young witch's hand in support. Mrs. Weasley had told her about everything that had been happening to her and she really wished she could do more for the young witch. She straightened back up and pulled an envelope out of her robe.

'Miss Weasley, here is your Hogwarts letter. I know it's a little early but it saves an owl a trip here.'

Ginny looked away from Hermione, who she had been watching throughout the conversation to take the envelope from McGonagall.

'Thank you, Professor.'

McGonagall gave her a quick nod and a small smile.

'I saw you flying earlier. I hope you find what's in that envelope further incentive to continue practicing.'

Ginny gave her a quizzical look and quickly opened the envelope to find the Gryffindor Quidditch Captain badge inside. She beamed at her Professor.

'Thank you! It'll be an honor!'

McGonagall nodded again then got up to leave.

'I'll await your decision, Miss Granger and will see you Miss Weasley at school.'

McGonagall left out of the back door and they heard a small pop as she disapparated. Ginny turned to Hermione and her once smiling face was replaced with one of concern as she took in the far away look of her friend. Wanting to help but not wanting to scare her away, she squeezed Hermione's hand.

'So what do you think? Does that sound like something you would want to do?'

Hermione looked over at Ginny, unsure how to answer.

'I don't know. I mean it would be nice to take my NEWTs but I don't know if I could go back to Hogwarts by myself; it'd be weird without Ron and Harry.'

Ginny was thinking about that too.

'Well, I would be there. I could make some stupid jokes and act all moody.'

Hermione smiled. Ginny took this as a good sign.

'It's completely up to you Hermione, but I know I would like having you there. It was so hard last year when you three didn't come back. Luckily I had Luna, Neville and the D.A. which made things a little easier but I can understand what you're feeling.'

Hermione nodded and frowned. She had been thinking about what she should do now that the war was over. She hadn't felt prepared for anything because she had missed her NEWTs but now she had the chance to fix that. She looked into Ginny's concerned but encouraging face and she felt like it might be okay. Ginny would be there and she had already made it through so much, she could make it through one term without Ron and Harry.

'Okay, I'll do it.'

Ginny was surprised but smiled. She really did want Hermione to come back even if it was for one term. She thought they could have fun and she thought it would help them both continue to heal.

'Really? Great! You'll do great on your NEWTs and we'll get to hang out even more!'

Hermione smiled but Ginny could tell she was still sad about the idea of going back without her best friends. She squeezed her hand in understanding.

'I know I can't replace them, but I'm still your friend too, you know. I'll be there with you.'

Hermione looked seriously into Ginny's eyes.

'I know Ginny. You've been an amazing friend, especially with all that's been happening. I don't think I could do it without you.'

Ginny hugged Hermione wanting to show that she would be there for her. Mrs. Weasley came back into the kitchen and was touched to see the two young witches supporting each other.

'I see Minerva snuck out without saying goodbye, then. Oh well, I'll be sure to owl her later.'

Ginny leaned back grinning, knowing her mum was just sad she couldn't offer her visitor a month's worth of food before leaving.

'Yeah, she said she had something important to be doing, didn't she Hermione?'

Catching on, Hermione grinned too.

'Oh yeah, some Hogwarts business.'

Mrs. Weasley looked between the two witches and their 'innocent' expressions, knowing she was missing something. She hadn't raised the twins without picking up on some things. But at that moment, she saw a glitter on the table and reached to pick up the Quidditch Captain badge.

'Oh Ginny! Congratulations!'

Ginny beamed. Sure it wasn't a Prefect badge but she was proud of it. Hermione beamed at her as well.

'Yeah Ginny! Congratulations!'

'Thanks! But you do realize now we have to really buckle down on my training. I can't show up and have the first years out flying me.'

Hermione rolled her eyes.

'Oh right! There's no way that would happen. I'll keep helping you, but since I am going back I need to study too.'

Now it was Ginny's turn to roll her eyes.

'You do realize that if you were to take your NEWTs tomorrow you would still get about 10 Outstandings.'

Hermione looked scandalized.

'Are you kidding?! I haven't study for any of my classes for nearly a year! I'm sure I've forgotten everything….oh, maybe this wasn't such a good idea, I'm sure to fail!'

Realizing Hermione was really starting to freak out, Ginny shook her shoulder to make her look at her and put on her most serious face.

'Hermione, relax. You have plenty of time and you really are the cleverest witch of your age, heck you're the cleverest witch for many ages. You will do your best and You. Will. Do. Fine.'

This seemed to calm Hermione down only a little, but at least it was a start.

'Okay, I better owl Professor McGonagall so I can get started on the review.'

'Oh no worry dear, she left the paperwork with me. She knew you would want to do it.'

Hermione turned to Mrs. Weasley with a surprised look.

'Don't looked so surprised. She told you she had confidence in you, she knew you wouldn't back down from a challenge. I knew you would do it too. You're so talented; it would have been a shame.'

Hermione blushed at the compliment and took the proffered envelope.

'Thank you Mrs. Weasley. Could I still use Errol to send a thank you?'

'Of course, but maybe you should use Pig, Errol doesn't do the trip to Hogwarts so well anymore.'

Hermione went to find Pig and wrote a quick thank you to Professor McGonagall before opening the envelope. Inside she found a recommended study list and sample questions. She knew it would take quite a bit of work, but she was excited to start her studies again. Even if she looked harried sometimes, often she found studying relaxing.

The envelope contained another small envelope with a slight bulge in it. Perplexed, Hermione opened it and a Head Girl badge fell out. She picked up the small gold badge with HG and the Gryffindor lion on it. How she had dreamed about this little badge throughout her years at Hogwarts. She would never tell Harry how disappointed she had been when they hadn't returned their final year. She'd known they had to do what they did but still she had missed the opportunity. She unfolded the small parchment included.

_Miss Granger,_

_Last year when you did not returned, I understood why. But it felt wrong to award this to anyone else because no one else was more deserving. I now award you this and while you need not worry about the duties associated with the position during your condensed studies, know that I am very proud of all you have done and it has been an honor to teach you and fight beside you._

_Sincerely,_

_Minerva McGonagall_

_Headmistress_

_Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry_

Hermione smiled as happy tears formed in her eyes. She gazed down at the Head Girl badge, her Head Girl badge. She found it ironic that the H and G meant to symbolize Head Girl were also her initials. Ginny entered the room and was at first concerned to see Hermione crying but soon took in her huge smile as well. Her attention was then directed to the small badge in her hands.

'Is that what I think it is?'

Hermione looked up, beaming and nodded.

'Yes! McGonagall kept it for me. I would have been Head Girl, Ginny!'

Ginny closed the distance and pulled Hermione into a giant hug.

'Oh, I'm so glad she gave that to you! In the history of Hogwarts, if there was one person who deserved it, it was you!'

Ginny stepped back, grabbed Hermione's hand and dragged her toward the door.

'Wait until Mum hears about this. She'll have kittens!'

Sure enough, Mrs. Weasley was beside herself. She had known Hermione had it in her but with everything that had happened, it had gotten lost along the way.

'Oh Hermione, that's just wonderful! I'm so proud of you!'

After a dinner consisting of all of Hermione's favorite foods, she was finally able to get away from Mrs. Weasley's bone crushing hugs and go to bed. As she lay in bed, she couldn't help the feeling of unease that lay beneath her happiness. She still wasn't sure how she felt about going back without Ron or Harry. It was hard to imagine life at Hogwarts without them. But they had left her, not the other way around, and she wasn't going to let anything more stand in her way of living a normal life.

9. Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine

The next day, Hermione woke up with the sun. As she lay in bed looking up at the ceiling, she could still feel her happiness over being Head Girl even if she didn't have the duties associated with it. But as she looked at the ceiling, a small frown crossed her face. With all the excitement of the previous day, she had forgotten to owl her parents. She missed them and knew they would want to know about this, especially since it was something they understood.

Getting up slowly as not to wake Ginny who was still sleeping across the room, Hermione went over to her little desk and got a sheet of parchment, quill and ink. Hermione sat there for a moment trying to control the emotions she felt. She was still upset that they didn't come home. She knew they loved her and she had sent them there but she couldn't help but feel abandoned. Tears were threatening to fall from Hermione's eyes. Swiftly she wiped them away and took a deep calming breath. Inking the quill, she began to write.

_Dear Mum and Dad,_

_How have you been? I've been doing well. Mrs. Weasley has been wonderful and I've enjoyed spending time with Ginny. I've been helping with her Quidditch training. You remember Quidditch, right? I haven't told you much about it because I don't really enjoy it as much as the Weasleys. It's a game played on broomsticks and it's kind of like football except there's four balls instead of one and they do different things. It's okay if you don't completely understand, I hardly do._

_I have good news! Had I returned to Hogwarts last year, I would have been Head Girl!! Professor McGonagall saved the badge for me and for all intents and purposes it's official! I was so surprised! You know how much I wanted it, but I knew I had to do what I did._

_I'm returning to Hogwarts (hopefully) to finish my studies and take my N.E.W.T.s. They're Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests and are equivalent to A-Level exams. I say hopefully because I must take a test before classes start in order to see if I know enough to successfully take them. I plan on studying for the rest of the summer so I hope to be ready, but I'm still nervous. Wish me luck!!_

_I miss you both terribly! I'll try to plan a visit before returning to school but I want to be prepared, so if I do visit it will be for only a couple of days. I know I can study there but it would be more beneficial to practice what I study and I can do that at the Burrow. I hope you understand._

_I love you._

_Hermione_

Hermione sat back and reread what she had written. The sun had risen in the sky and now filled the room with light. Just as she sealed the roll, she heard Ginny waking up. She turned around to find the redhead sitting up and yawning.

'Good morning, sleepy head! It's about time you got up!'

Ginny glared at her friend before another yawn ruined the effect.

'Some of us don't like to race the sun in seeing who wakes up first!'

Hermione flashed her a scandalized look before surprising her by jumping up from the desk and making a dive for her bed. Ginny gave a yelp and tried to hide under her blankets but to no avail. Hermione made for her side and started to tickle her.

'NO! Stop! Stop it! Hermione!'

'Ha! All of this sleeping in is making you slow Gin! Now, if you want to breathe again, just say uncle!'

Ginny could barely catch her breath, she was laughing so hard.

'Uncle?....Whose…..uncle?'

Hermione stopped as she registered what Ginny said through her gasps. Then she started laughing, only confusing Ginny further. Finally able to breathe, Ginny turned to Hermione.